SR-126: Santa Paula Freeway / Henry Mayo Drive

This roadway was to have a very different alignment through the Santa Clarita Valley. Until recently, it was planned to be a freeway from I-5 to SR-14 mostly following the Santa Clara River through lower Soledad Canyon meeting SR-14 near Via Princessa. Only part of that freeway was ever constructed. State 126 is also one of the more scenic routes in the Los Angeles area. From I-5 to near Ventura, it passes through one of the largest citrus producing areas left in Southern California. A trip in springtime is best when the orange trees are blossoming.

Typical section of freeway. This is west of Santa Paula.Eastbound Santa Paula Freeway (126) at the 118 junction in Saticoy. Note the older style State highway shield on the overhead.Approaching the eastern end of the Santa Paula Freeway. Sign for END FREEWAY was meant to carry an exit sign, hence the larger frame.Junction of Route 23 in Fillmore.

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A few months ago, I decided to purchase a new domain in the anticipation of moving to northern California. Whether or not that move takes place, I still own that domain. As such, this site may be expanding in scope to cover a few more counties. The new site, NorCalRegion.Com, is still a work in progess, but will cover highways and geology in the northern half of the state. Where that line will be drawn is still being worked out. Look for updates in the coming months for these changes and expansions.

There is a group in Bakersfield trying to get historic route signs posted on the original alignment of US 99 through the Bakersfield area. They could use your support. Check out the site below for more information.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has a wealth of information available on their website. With a bit of patience and some looking around, you can find quite a few treasures using their mapping application. I’ve so far found the original survey data for the “Bridge To Nowhere” roadway, plans for other roadways that were never built in the Sierra Pelona Mountains, as well as the forest service permit for the Shoemaker Canyon Road that was never completed.